As I collapse on my bed amongst abandoned Honors Algebra 3 notes and AP Psychology flashcards, I take a break from stressful studying to eat some mac and cheese.

Although I’m not actually hungry, I’ll do practically anything to get away from the stressful situation  that is  studying for my midterm exams.

Most people are guilty of emotional eating.  Emotional eating is eating when you’re not hungry, but when you are angry, stressed, upset, or just generally emotional. It is not only a bad habit, but also a major contributor to weight gain.

People usually emotionally eat when they’re in tough situations, such as being stressed out by school or work, watching a sad movie, after a bad breakup, or pretty much any situation that would make someone sad, angry, or stressed.

Although stuffing your face in a container of Ben & Jerry’s may seem like a good idea in the emotional moment, it isn’t for the best.

I’m guilty of emotional eating myself. During exams, I often find myself snacking on comfort foods such as chocolate and mac and cheese.

I often turn to comfort foods such as these because the foods leave me feeling calm and peaceful.

Most of these foods are full of carbohydrates, which increase levels of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. Emotional eating literally calms me down.

Of course, I do try to avoid emotional eating, since it isn’t healthy. I replace the junk foods with healthier snack foods, like fruit, granola bars, and roasted seaweed.

I also make a point to only eat when I am hungry, which may seem obvious, but is harder and than you’d think. Most people eat as a social event or when they are bored.

There are also other ways to cope with stress. Exercising is one way that I can relax, but there are other options, too.

Drawing, playing a sport, or simply walking away from whatever is stressing you out are all healthy ways to deal with negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and sadness.

Eating comfort foods in moderation is an important part of being healthy.

Although emotional eating may help you feel comforted and at peace in the moment, it will be better and healthier later on to only eat when you are actually hungry.

Ashley Beyer is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.